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Entries close this Sunday for AUS MTBO champs

A reminder that entries close on Sunday (Sep 17) for the Australian Mountain Bike Orienteering Champs at Wingello in the Southern Highlands of NSW with events running from 4-8 October.

We are up over 130 entries for the three championship events on the weekend.

This is truly an MTBO carnival with something for everyone: elites, intermediate riders and total beginners (adults and kids).

Just have a look at what is on offer:• Midweek ride or Night MTBO event (Wed)• Friday practice event• 3 championship races on the Sat-Sun• FREE entry in the W12, M12, W14, M14 age classes• “Recreational” class for those who don’t wish to do the full champs courses, or want to ride with a buddy• Budget accommodation at Belanglo SF or Kirrikee Outdoor Centre• Dinner on the Saturday night• Talks by our WOC riders inc silver medallist Lucy Mackie

There will be limited Enter on the Day in the Recreational Class and Juniors under 14.

And it follows the Australian Foot O championhips and carnival in Bathurst and Hill End, a leisurely three-hour drive.

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What is MTBO?

Using the supplied map, competitors are required to navigate their way to controls (checkpoints) which are placed on tracks or mapped features, riding on mapped tracks, paths or roads only. Interpreting the map information and deciding which is the best way to ride from one control to the next. Riders start at intervals with the fastest through the course declared the winner. Competitors carry an electronic card that records each control visited. These can be hired at events. Sample MTBO map

Course lengths vary from approximately 6km to over 30km depending on the class contested, so there is a course suitable for every standard of rider. There are classes for males, females and pairs/groups, covering ages from 10 to over 70 years.

The videos on this link give you a good idea of how to compete in an MTBO event.

What do you need? a bike; a helmet; a drink bottle; some form of map-board on your handlebars is handy so you can read your map whilst riding.

How to enter? At some events you can "enter on the day". Championships and Vic Series event require competitors to "pre-enter" with details in the coming events section. MTBO events are a low-key and fun competition and are open to anyone to compete.